significant delays

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "significant delays" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there are considerable or noteworthy delays in a process, event, or timeline. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are experiencing significant delays in the delivery of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This "contributed to significant delays experienced during resettlement.

The Guardian

Students from Russia and India have also experienced significant delays.

The New York Times

Significant delays only arise when cases are very complicated.

The Guardian

The only significant delays occur in the MATLAB processing.

Cornell University

The onslaught prompted significant delays in rule-writing.

The New York Times

In two other patients no significant delays were detected.

NeuroImage

Those errors can result in significant delays and cost overruns.

Procedia CIRP

Access to premises standards finally passed in 2009, after significant delays in the Howard era.

The Guardian - Opinion

"There's lots of crackling and a bad connection and an echo and significant delays".

The New York Times - Tech

At this time there are no significant delays at other terminals.

The Guardian

The current NLRB election process allows significant delays in the vote.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "significant delays", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being delayed and the impact of the delay. For instance, "The project experienced "significant delays" due to unforeseen circumstances, impacting the overall timeline."

Common error

Avoid using "significant delays" for minor postponements. Reserve this phrase for situations where the delays have a noticeable and important impact. If the delay is minimal, consider using phrases like "slight delays" or "minor setbacks".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "significant delays" functions as a noun phrase, where "significant" modifies the noun "delays". According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "significant delays" is a widely used and grammatically sound way to describe notable postponements. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across various domains. The analysis reveals that this phrase is most frequently encountered in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts, indicating its broad applicability. Alternatives such as "substantial delays" or "major delays" can be used to add variety to writing. Remember to reserve the phrase for instances where the delays genuinely have a considerable impact, avoiding its use for minor setbacks.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

substantial delays

Replaces "significant" with "substantial", emphasizing the magnitude of the delay.

considerable delays

Substitutes "significant" with "considerable", highlighting the degree or extent of the delays.

major delays

Uses "major" instead of "significant" to indicate delays of great importance or impact.

extensive delays

Replaces "significant" with "extensive", focusing on the reach or scope of the delays.

protracted delays

Uses "protracted" to emphasize the prolonged nature of the delays.

lengthy delays

Replaces "significant" with "lengthy", focusing on the duration of the delays.

notable delays

Substitutes "significant" with "notable", highlighting the remarkableness or visibility of the delays.

appreciable delays

Uses "appreciable" instead of "significant" to indicate delays that are easily perceived or measured.

marked delays

Replaces "significant" with "marked", indicating delays that are clearly noticeable or evident.

serious delays

Substitutes "significant" with "serious", highlighting the severity or consequence of the delays.

FAQs

How can I use "significant delays" in a sentence?

You can use "significant delays" to describe situations where progress is substantially hindered. For example: "The construction project faced "significant delays" due to weather conditions."

What are some alternatives to "significant delays"?

Alternatives include "substantial delays", "considerable delays", or "major delays", depending on the context and the emphasis you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "very significant delays"?

While grammatically correct, "very significant delays" can be redundant. The word "significant" already implies importance and noticeability. Using alternatives like "major delays" or "extensive delays" can be more effective.

What is the difference between "significant delays" and "minor delays"?

"Significant delays" indicates a substantial impact on timelines or processes, while "minor delays" suggests a less impactful and more easily manageable postponement. Understanding this distinction is important for conveying the correct sense of urgency and impact.